Current Articles

The Trees for Life Journal will go beyond the usual concept of a scientific journal, and provide a forum for open and free exchange of ideas among anyone interested in beneficial trees and plants. (more)

The celebrated author of the landmark book Underexploited Tropical
Plants with Promising Economic Value, formerly with the National Academy
of Sciences in Washington, D.C., relates experiences from his life as a
"crop champion." (more)

Research focused on helping people in underdeveloped areas can be elegant and have real academic value. Strategies for effective low-cost research include an interdisciplinary approach, creative fundraising, and alternative ideas for allocating time and personnel. (more)

Research focused on helping people in underdeveloped areas may be a “path less traveled by,” but it also presents a wealth of opportunities. This first part of a three-part series tells the story of one man who chose to follow that path. (more)

Turmeric has been used for centuries in India as a traditional medicine to cure infections. Studies have shown that a chemical in turmeric stops the growth of melanoma. More research is needed to find out the mode of action of turmeric’s immune-boosting, anti-cancer and antibiotic properties as a potential natural remedy. (more)

The Moringa tree (Moringa oleifera) has been praised for its nutritional and medicinal properties, and many claims have been made regarding its benefits. This first in a series of brief reviews looks at the published scientific evidence on this tree. (more)

Water leached from growing broccoli sprouts is shown to inhibit the growth of E. coli bacteria. Sprouts (green vegetables) have long been known to be a good source of nutrition, but where water supplies are contaminated, growing them can be risky. This finding hints that some sprouts could be safer than others. (more)

Sickle cell anemia is a potentially lethal, lifelong, inherited disorder for which there is no cure. The authors present encouraging evidence of the anti-sickling properties of a local and commonly eaten Nigerian plant. (more)

Traditional medicine practitioners have used Trichosanthes tricuspidata in the treatment of a wide range of ailments. The authors review current scientific knowledge and call for further research to explore the potential of this little-exploited plant. (more)

Mangrove swamps, some of the most productive wetlands on the planet, are under intense pressure from development, population spread and pollution. This report evaluates species density and distribution in a national reserve using standard ecological sampling methodology. (more)

Introduction of Moringa leaves into people’s diets can only be successful if the leaves are incorporated into foods at adequate levels and in a way that is palatable. The authors evaluate how best to use Moringa, and how much to use, in traditional Indian recipes. (more)

There may be tremendous practical value to understanding how to neutralize or reduce the damaging (and lethal) effects of radiation on the human body. Treatment of mice with rosemary extract prior to irradiation is reported herein to prolong life and reduce the symptoms of radiation sickness. (more)

A new field survey method involves indigenous traditional healers in identifying rare, disappearing, and previously unreported medicinal plants. A model is presented for sharing the benefits of such plants with a wider audience while preserving local culture. (more)

Vitamin A deficiency is a serious problem in the developing world. A method for measuring beta-carotene absorption in the body helps scientists understand the potential of plant foods to provide vitamin A. (more)